Leeds worker stole £3,700 when boss went on holiday

Windscreen replacement worker Richard Earl was trusted to look after the Afford A Screen business when his boss took a two-week holiday in July and August 2018, Leeds Crown Court was told.

But 25-year-old Earl, of Stonecliffe Walk, Farnley, pocketed the takings for work he did while in charge of the business and spent the cash on renting cars.

Earl, who has no previous convictions, admitted theft by employee.

Prosecutor, Carmel Pearson, said Earl stole between £3,700 and £4,000 and caused a stressful situation for the business owner.

Miss Pearson said: "It is a small business and it had an impact on him and on his client base as well."

Probation officer Mick Berry, said: "He was quite frank. He accepted he had taken money he wasn't entitled to and spent it on renting cars, what he described as leading a materialistic lifestyle, which he accepts was not him."

"He lives at home with his parents. His partner also lives at the family home, she is 18-weeks pregnant."

Stephen Smithson, mitigating, said: "There was a period in his life when he has gone completely off the rails.

"He split up with his girlfriend and just went potty, drinking, gambling, playing the fool and doing daft things both socially and towards his employer.

"His father is outraged."

Mr Smithson added: "Since this he is working for a new company.They think highly of him and he is trusted with the money."

Judge Christopher Batty handed Earl an eight month jail sentence, suspended for two years, plus 200 hours of unpaid work.

Earl must repay his employer £2,000 at a rate of £200 per month.

Judge Batty told Earl: "Your dad has no idea either why you threw away your good character and took from someone who was good to you, offering you employment and placed you in his trust.

"When he went away, you took money just simply to enjoy yourself. I appreciate you may have been at a low ebb, but that's no excuse to take his money."